The sound of bells ringing is part of the holiday soundtrack, and The Salvation Army is hoping to get more people to join in the clanging symphony.

Volunteer bell ringers are needed at many locations to solicit donations for the agency.

“A high priority is the way I would put it,” Salvation Army office manager Kathy Walker said of the need for volunteer bell ringers this season. “Any money raised is money that will help our Christmas programs.”

Bell ringers set up in 14 locations throughout the area, mainly in front of stores and shopping centers to solicit donations from passersby.

Salvation Army volunteers ring to raise money for the Army’s Red Kettle campaign, a nationwide effort during the holiday season to help provide food, clothing and items for the needy.

According to The Salvation Army’s Web site, the Red Kettle program helps more than 4.5 million people during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.

The local Salvation Army branch gets many of its ringers from church groups and among retirees, Walker said, and the need for ringers is arguably more important than in years past.

“It hasn’t been any more difficult to find volunteers, but in these economic times, people don’t have as much free time to give,” Walker said, adding that she wants to avoid having to seek out paid volunteers for the season.

Bell ringing began in the area Nov. 14 and will continue through Dec. 24.

Last year, the Red Kettle program raised $80,468 to fund local aid programs and provide assistance for the area’s needy, according to Walker, though donations in the current campaign are lagging behind last year’s pace.

“Looking at what we’ve raised so far, we’re already about $5,000 behind compared to what we’ve raised last year at this time,” Walker said. “We appreciate anyone who is able to volunteer their time and efforts, from Cub Scout groups all the way up to senior citizens.”

Walker said it is especially important to have ringers for locations in Russellville and Franklin.

— To find out more about volunteering for the Red Kettle program, call the Salvation Army office at 843-3485.